Training for mums leads to success

BACK TO WORK: Jennifer Peart is now a qualified veterinary nurse working in her chosen profession.

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RETURNING to the workforce, after time off to raise children, or entering the workforce as a young mother for the first time, can be a daunting prospect.

Women however, make up 46.2 per cent of all employees, making it imperative that training and skills are available to help women through all stages of the process. Opportunities for females in the employment and re-employment process will be explored during National Skills Week, Australia’s pinnacle week to promote Vocational Education and Training (VET), held nationally from August 28 to September 3.

For mothers entering the workforce for the first time, or returning to the workforce, vocational education and training can be the perfect starting point, providing a platform to train for the first steps into their chosen career.

Jennifer Peart, VET Alumni and Australian Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year Award Runnerup, was one year out of high school and a single mother with a newborn daughter.

Struggling to work out how to balance caring for a child with work and study, a lifetime love of animals and the hope of pursuing a career she loved led her to undertake a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, at The Gordon Institute of TAFE. Guided by her teachers, Jennifer was able to study part-time while working in her chosen field without a heavy study load.

Work placement gave her the opportunity to practice her skills and gain the experience and knowledge she needed to begin her career.

Tasmanian Carla Willcox, national VET Alumni member and winner of the 2016 Australian Training Awards’ Vocational Student of the Year Award, is a graduate of a Certificate III in Disability and is currently studying a Certificate IV in Disability. Having been a ‘stay at home mum’ for 13 years, Carla never expected that her step back into part time work and retraining, would lead to further studies, full-time work and a promotion. Carla now has a career she loves and is passionate about, as well as a national award under her belt. Following this, a promotion saw Carla take on a position with Family Based Care in Burnie where she is very much enjoying the ‘terrific’ career path.

“I want to promote and advocate for my industry, and I want to be an advocate for all those other mums out there who are daunted by the thought of re-entering the workforce.”

“My family recognise that what I was doing was important, they really respected me for giving it a go, and everyone stepped up. They have been inspired and are extremely proud of what I’ve achieved,” she said.

SkillsOne will be showcasing VET qualifications during National Skills Week from 28 August to 3 September 2017. During this week, Australia will highlight the breadth of career opportunities available through a VET qualification. To find out about the many events that can be found across the country, visit the National Skills Week website www.nationalskillsweek.com.au for more information.